The Bunker Trilogy: Macbeth: Blood Will Have Blood – Adelaide Fringe Review

Adelaide Botanic Garden - Noel Lothian Hall, Fri 19 Feb Jethro Compton’s production of Macbeth is back in Adelaide for its third Fringe, as part of the highly-regarded Bunker Trilogy. Audience members make their way into the smoky, dark bunker, where they find a seat. Benches have been placed around the edges of the confined space, within touching distance of the action. Sam Donnelly is very good as the all-too-easily led and increasingly disturbed protagonist, while Bebe Sanders gives a strong portrayal of the scheming, ambitious Lady Macbeth. Hayden Wood and Jonathan Mathews somehow manage to play all the necessary supporting roles; Banquo, Macduff, witches et al. Recanting Shakespeare’s classic tale of murder, guilt and retribution in a little over an hour is a challenging task but The Bunker Trilogy: Macbeth just about pulls it off. All of the key elements of the story are present, and those who are paying attention are rewarded with a crisp, fast-moving performance. Unlike the other two plays in the series, which place the dialogue squarely in the contemporary vernacular of the First World War, Macbeth is appropriately rendered in the Shakespearean tongue. In fact, of the three, this one has the biggest schism between the story and the setting, but it is still effective. The eerie portrayal of the ‘weird sisters’ is a great example of this. The Bunker Trilogy is an excellent series of powerfully entertaining plays. See any one of them and you will be pleased. See them all and you will be even happier. David Robinson The Bunker Trilogy: Macbeth continues at Adelaide Botanic Garden - Noel Lothian Hall, at various times, until Mon 14 Mar. Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets.